Discussion Questions

First Reading

Jeremiah 31:7-9

F1. In his message to the United States Congress, Pope Francis suggested that Congress, by means of the law, must protect the image and likeness fashioned by God on every human face. What does/can your parish or office or family do to fight the poverty Francis mentions below?

I would encourage you to keep in mind all those people around us who are trapped in a cycle of poverty. They too need to be given hope. The fight against poverty and hunger must be fought constantly and on many fronts, especially in its causes.

F2. Is there anyone in your life who needs the road “leveled out” just a little. Is there anyone you can ask, “What do you want me to do for you,” as Jesus did in the today’s Gospel? If you help, how is this good for both of you?

Second Reading

Hebrews 5:1-6

S1. “He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness.” How would experiencing weakness help someone in ministering to others? Do you think Jesus’ human experience and suffering draws people to him?

S2 .Baptism makes all of us ministers in the reign of God. Think about Moses, Peter, Paul, Augustine, Blessed Damien, St. Thomas Aquinas and others. Pick one or two and say how their weakness helped make them good ministers.

Gospel

Mark 10:46-52

G1. The disciples were trying to shut him up. But Bartimaeus kept calling out to Jesus anyway. What do you do when others urge you to keep quiet? In the history of the Church can you think of great scientists and theologians who were silenced?

G2. “Master, I want to see.” What is it that you want to “see” that will change your life as radically as Jesus changed that of Bartimaeus? What is the central miracle here, the blind trust or faith of Bartimaeus or the healing of physical blindness?Anne Osdieck

MISSION To enable individuals to grow in their faith, deepen their commitment to and personal relationship with Jesus Christ, and then be a resource for them as they share that commitment with their parishes, dioceses and the world!